Welcome to Food for Thought

A dual-language preschool in Grand Junction is building “agricultural literacy” in kids — and parents

The Western Colorado Research Center in Grand Junction hosts AmiGOs, a dual-language preschool that fosters agricultural literacy through bilingual, hands-on learning. Located on a CSU Extension research campus, the program connects children and parents to nature, food systems, and community through experiential learning in research fields and teaching kitchen.

“Our style of learning here is something safe but real — not too constructed, it has been a big change to have a research station where serious research is going on and to welcome kids and parents into our space,” says Amanda McQuade, programs manager for the CSU Research Center. Learn more here!

Tight supplies and strong demand

Dr. Stephen R. Koontz, from the Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics at Colorado State University, reports that cattle and beef prices have slowed after reaching record highs, with market prices easing slightly in recent weeks. He explains that while data points to lower prices by December, strong consumer demand is keeping values higher than expected. Koontz adds that overall market trends remain positive, though some short-term price drops are likely after recent rapid increases. Learn more here!

What to know about the annual tarantula ‘migration’ around La Junta as it comes to a close

As temperatures begin to drop, tarantulas come out to mate. In a 2022 interview, Maia Holmes, director of the CSU Bug Zoo explained that “spiders dig drummers,” she says describing the mating ritual of the male tarantula. Listen to the full episode of The Audit featuring Holmes here!

Programmable automated low-cost IoT water sampler

Colorado State University’s Agricultural Water Quality Program has developed a low-cost, IoT-enabled (Internet of Things) automated water sampler that delivers real-time, reliable water quality data. This tool gives researchers an affordable and practical option compared to traditional, expensive sampling methods.

The paper, “Programmable automated low-cost IoT water sampler,” authored by Emmanuel Deleon, Ansley Brown, Jakob Ladow, Erik Wardle, and Troy Bauder, was recently published in HardwareX, an open-access scientific hardware journal that welcomes submissions from across scientific, technological, and medical disciplines. The publication provides detailed instructions for building the sampler using 3D printing, with a focus on affordability and simplicity to encourage broad adoption in water quality monitoring. Learn more here!

New classroom at Temple Grandin Equine Center honors the legacy of Bill Keller

The Temple Grandin Equine Center is completing the final phase of construction with the addition of the Bill Keller Learning Lab, a new classroom and lab honoring the late Bill Keller, longtime supporter of CSU’s Equine Sciences program. The new space is designed to enhance education, research, and community engagement in equine-assisted services while carrying forward the Keller family’s legacy of support for CSU’s equine programs.

“This classroom provides the tools and space we need to prepare the next generation of equine professionals while expanding opportunities to serve the community,” says Adam Daurio, director of the TGEC. Learn more here!

6 patents granted to CSU innovators over the past year

Researchers in the College of Agricultural Sciences are among those driving innovation at Colorado State University, contributing to the university’s No. 91 national ranking for patents and research excellence. One recent breakthrough led by Associate Professor Todd Gaines, along with co-investigators Marcelo Rodrigues Alves de Figueiredo and Anita Kuepper identified a gene responsible for herbicide resistance in Palmer Amaranth, a major threat to U.S. crops such as corn, cotton, and soybean — a discovery that supports more sustainable and profitable farming. Learn more here!

The Art of Teaching: Dr. Chad Miller’s Innovative Classroom Trade Shows

Dr. Chad Miller, director of the CSU Trial Gardens and professor, was featured on Plants, People, Science, a podcast produced by the American Society for Horticultural Science, where he was recognized as the 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Educator. In his classes, Miller blends traditional plant identification with professional skill development, cultivating a classroom culture of communication, creativity, and constructive feedback that empowers students to move beyond memorization and become confident, curious, and professionally prepared horticulturists. Learn more here!

Fruita’s Reina Roberts receiving prestigious FFA award, one year after brother Ryer

CSU Agricultural Education student Ryer Roberts and his sister Reina Roberts, a Fruita Monument High School graduate are continuing their family’s legacy of excellence in FFA. Both have earned the American FFA Degree, one of the organization’s highest honors, reflecting their deep dedication to agricultural education and leadership. Ryer credits his experiences through CSU and Fruita FFA for shaping his path as he represents Colorado in his second bid for National FFA Office at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this week. Learn more here!

The Science of the Stench: Corpse Flower Research Reception

Mark your calendar and prepare your Halloween best for Science of the Stench this Tuesday at the Plant Growth Facilities! The evening will be filled with opportunities to sip seasonal refreshments, mingle with fellow plant enthusiasts, and immerse yourself in the eerie yet beautiful ambiance of the Conservatory. Between the art, the science, and the sheer curiosity of Cosmo itself, this event offers a one-of-a-kind celebration of one of nature’s strangest (and stinkiest) wonders. Costumes are encouraged! RSVP here!